Application Deadline Nears For Dismal Swamp Deer Hunting Permits

Hunter permits for white-tailed deer in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge will be cutoff on September 15, according to Lloyd Culp, refuge manager.

"All those wishing to hunt during the designated dates must turn in their permit applications by then," said Culp, whose office began mailing out permits early in August. "We usually try to get the permits out two to three weeks after we get them."

The 13-day, either-sex hunt is scheduled for October 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 and November 3, 4, 10 and 11.

The hunt will be open to both shotgun and archery on all days.

"This is first time we've allowed both in the hunt during the entire period," said Culp, who doesn't envision any problems.

Each year, the refuge has this white-tailed hunt to keep the population down. "I would think we've got a white-tailed deer population at the present time at around 2,000," Culp said. "But don't hold me to that ... it could be only 1,000 or 1,500."

The refuge covers an area of 106,000 square acres.

"When you have over-population of deer, it hurts the health of the flock, the habitat and could cause problems for farmers, etc.," Culp said. "We would like to harvest about 400 to 500 this time around."

A year ago, the refuge opened the area up to hunters but bad weather cut the harvest down. "We didn't get as many white-tailed deer out as we wanted because of the weather. I hope the weather works for us this time," said Culp.

Interested individuals who plan to hunt are encouraged to mail in their applications early to be assured of making the deadline of Sept. 15. Applications that are postmarked after Sept. 15 will not be accepted.

Hunt participants must apply for the required refuge permit by sending their name, current address, and telephone number on a 3x5 card (one hunter per card) to: Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 349, Suffolk, Virginia, 23434.

Those individuals seeking updated information on the hunt may telephone 804-986-3705.